Friday, August 31, 2007

REBEL club FC United make their long-awaited entrance into the FA Cup on Sunday eager to make as big an impact in the world's oldest knockout competition as they have done in non-league combat since their formation two years ago.

A derby with Trafford at Altrincham's Moss Lane ground at such an early stage of the competition would not normally attract any more than a cursory glance.But for a club founded as a response to the distaste of Malcolm Glazer's takeover at nine-times winners Manchester United, it is a seminal event.

"We've been looking forward to this for a long time," said general manager Andy Walsh.

"Clearly, Manchester United has a rich history in the competition. Our own aims for this season are less lofty but we plan to do as well as we can."

Victory would set up a nostalgic first qualifying round trip to Fleetwood, the club against whom Newton Heath - the forerunner of Manchester United - played their own first FA Cup tie well over a century ago.